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The prevalent expectations that the theoretical accomplishments of sociology may some day come to equal those of the physical sciences are illusory. In view of the special nature of its subject matter, the realistic objectives of sociology are different from those of the physical sciences. Sociocultural reality is a man-made order; there is, therefore, no reason to expect that underlying this order there are invariant & universal social laws to be discovered by sociologists. Their chief theoretical goal can only be the systematic interpretation of sociocultural phenomena to provide orientation, understanding, valuations, & guidance in fateful areas of human living. Furthermore, in line with the vision of its founders, sociology has the practical goal of promoting social progress & discovering relational arrangements to facilitate the release & prevention of social tensions. Future advances in sociological theory will be spearheaded by a holistic approach to the analysis of the nature of sociality & the operation of sociological factors in influencing human conduct. AA.